Property Rights and Land Titling Project, Lao PDR

The Project is going through a very busy period (has it ever been otherwise?), with training for new staff in the existing 9 Project provinces (following major staff losses since the move of the Department of Lands from the Ministry of Finance to the National Land Management Authority in 2006) nearing completion, and training for new systematic adjudication teams starting in Bokeo, Oudomsay and Luang Namtha this week. Following training, systematic adjudication will commence in these provinces in the new year. The next two provinces (Attapeu and Xekong) will receive training later this year, and the final three provinces will come on board in February 2008.

There are several other important events taking place, particularly the organisational review of the NLMA and amendments to legislation impacting on Project activities. There are also key reviews of the Project by AusAid and the World Bank starting in October to prepare for.

Current issues confronting the Project include the decision by NLMA to cease registration of subsequent transactions other than changes of ownership on the land title, and the old chestnut of titling along road corridors promises to ensure a lively supervision mission in December.

On the adviser front, we are happy to welcome Martin Connolly to the team. Martin is the new organisational development adviser, and is facing the challenges of his assignment with the requisite initiative and good humour (not sure how well he’s handling Ireland’s loss to France in the Rugby World Cup though). Daniel Carter left us recently to join the team on LAMP II (and probably a few basketball teams as well, knowing the passion for the game in the Philippines), and his enthusiasm and inputs into many areas of the Project, including work plans, procurement and training, have been greatly appreciated. Daniel also left his mark in the sporting arena in Vientiane- see the article below. Kate Dalrymple is finishing her assignment as Community Education Adviser this week, and we will miss her drive and professionalism. Steve McFadzean is currently taking a well earned break – the comprehensive documentation that he left behind has made this job much easier than would otherwise have been the case- thanks Steve!

Provided by David McDowell